Patents by Inventor James MELL

James MELL has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240190390
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for an integrated LIDAR and camera-based sensing system is provided. The bracket assembly can be mounted to a LIDAR sensor and includes a camera housing. The bracket assembly also includes a plurality of liquid spray nozzles and a plurality of air blower ducts. The plurality of liquid spray nozzles discharge a cleaning liquid (e.g., washer fluid) toward the exterior surface of the LIDAR sensor and the camera sensor, and the plurality of air ducts discharge compressed air toward the exterior surface of the LIDAR sensor and the camera sensor. The liquid spray nozzles and the air ducts cooperate to clear foreign matter from the LIDAR sensor and the camera sensor despite being close to the edge of each such sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Inventors: Larry Rachow, James Mell, Mark Beyer, Kunal Javali
  • Publication number: 20240189837
    Abstract: A fluid nozzle assembly (10) for cleaning a LIDAR sensor is provided. The nozzle assembly includes a plurality of spray nozzles (14) that are interchangeably received within press-fit openings of a nozzle manifold. At least one of the spray nozzles provides a flat fan spray pattern and another one of the spray nozzles provides a narrow jet, collectively creating a multi-functional spray pattern. In another embodiment, a blower bracket is provided. The blower bracket includes a blower box and a plurality of selectable air nozzle adaptors. The air nozzle adaptors are joined to the blower box along a periphery of the blower box sidewall. The air nozzle adaptors include at least one barbed fitting for attachment to an air hose. The blower bracket provides a variety of configurations for use in specific locations in an overhead or rear tiara.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Inventors: Larry Rachow, James Mell, Mark Beyer, Kevin Bond, Kunal Javali
  • Publication number: 20240181997
    Abstract: A camera nozzle assembly (100) for cleaning a camera lens is provided. The camera nozzle assembly includes a bracket mount (110) and a nozzle assembly (120). The bracket mount includes a camera aperture (146) for the camera lens and can be mounted to a vehicle. The nozzle assembly is joined to the bracket mount and includes a spray nozzle (160) and an air duct (154). The spray nozzle discharges a cleaning liquid, and the air duct discharges compressed air, each being discharged at a shallow angle relative to a camera lens. The cleaning liquid and the compressed air cooperate to remove foreign matter from the exterior surface of the camera lens, optionally for front-bumper cameras, side-view cameras, rear-bumper cameras, and cameras for semi-autonomous and autonomous operation of passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Larry Rachow, James Mell, Mark Beyer, Kevin Bond
  • Patent number: 11639731
    Abstract: An improved fastener clip for a side curtain airbag is provided. The fastener clip includes a head portion and a body portion having first and second expansion legs. During installation, the fastener clip is manually inserted through aligned openings in an airbag attachment member and a body panel. When a bolt is threaded into the fastener clip, the head portion engages an upper surface of the airbag attachment member and the expansion legs flex laterally outward and engage an underside of the body panel. Spring tabs extend from the head portion and absorb vibrations to provide a secure attachment over the life of the fastener clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventors: Christopher Murphy, Mark Beyer, James Mell
  • Publication number: 20220243748
    Abstract: An improved fastener clip for a side curtain airbag is provided. The fastener clip includes a head portion and a body portion having first and second expansion legs. During installation, the fastener clip is manually inserted through aligned openings in an airbag attachment member and a body panel. When a bolt is threaded into the fastener clip, the head portion engages an upper surface of the airbag attachment member and the expansion legs flex laterally outward and engage an underside of the body panel. Spring tabs extend from the head portion and absorb vibrations to provide a secure attachment over the life of the fastener clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher MURPHY, Mark BEYER, James MELL
  • Publication number: 20070109798
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bracket assembly comprising at least one mounting base including at least one surface association means, at least one engaging extension extending from the at least one mounting base, the at least one engaging extension rotatingly associating at least one luminaire with the mounting base, and at least one luminaire leveling device adjustably extending from the at least one mounting base, a contact portion of the leveling device removably contacting the at least one luminaire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventors: David Pfund, James Melling
  • Publication number: 20070109789
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for reducing socket shadow in an area of low luminance, the apparatus comprising a luminaire casing, at least two linearly adjacent tandem lamps disposed in the luminaire casing, the at least two lamps each capable of emitting a light output, a region of diminished radiant exitance disposed between adjacent ends of the at least two linearly adjacent lamps, the region of diminished radiant exitance emitting a lower light output than the light output emitted from the at least two lamps and creating the area of low luminance, and a reflector disposed with the luminaire casing, the reflector being disposed proximate the at least two lamps and positioned with respect to the at least two lamps to redirect the light output emitted from the at least two lamps to the area of low luminance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventors: David Pfund, James Melling
  • Publication number: 20060232981
    Abstract: A luminaire including a housing and a multi-purpose mounting feature formed at an interior of the housing, where the mounting feature is configured to receive and retain a mount for mounting of the luminaire on a vertical surface, and where the mounting feature is configured to receive and retain an electrical cord, to direct the electrical cord at least partially along a length of the luminaire, and to conceal the electrical cord from view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Inventors: David Pfund, James Melling